Review of "In Extremis Leadership" by Brigadier General Thomas A. Kolditz - Leading As If Your Life Depended On It

Brigadier General Thomas A. Kolditz is in a unique position to write about leadership in extreme situations. His "In Extremis Leadership" draws from his experiences teaching at West Point and the Yale School of Management, leading in combat in the Middle East, and mentoring members of the award winning Black Knights Parachuting Team from West Point. To supplement his own personal observations about leading in extreme conditions - when life and limb are at risk - he and his team of researchers interviewed a number of other extreme leaders. Those interviewed included mountain climbing instructors, parachutists, combat veterans, firefighters, and police SWAT team members.

The author's purpose in writing this book was first of all to examine the unique attributes of leadership that must be present and exercised in extreme situations when lives are on the line. Secondly, he and his team extrapolated those lessons that could be applied to any other leadership challenges - in the business world, academia, the athletic field, and elsewhere. In evaluating the common threads that emerged, General Kolditz identifies these common traits among extreme leaders:

• They are inherently motivated
• They embrace continuous learning
• They share risk with their followers
• They have a common lifestyle with their followerds - no elitism
• They have high competence, trust, and loyalty - and inspire these things in others

The book is filled with fascinating vignettes and interviews that highlight how these extreme leadership attributes are played out in a variety of life and death scenarios.

This book would be extremely helpful to anyone who is a leader, or who aspires to be a leader, in any field of endeavor. It is a major addition to the growing corpus of leadership books, and is offered as part of a series by The Frances Hesselbein Leadership Institute.

Enjoy!

Al

Review of "Call An Audible" by Daron K. Roberts - A MUST READ That Inspires and Challenges

Daron K. Roberts has written a compelling book that should inspire every reader to dream big. There is a good reason that Sports Illustrated named "Call An Audible" one of the best sports books of 2017. It transcends sports, and adresses issues of vision, discipline, work ethic, humility, work-life balance, and overcoming obstacles.

I was particularly moved in reading this book because I was behind the scenes for some of the chapters of the author's life, and I can attest to the veracity of the stories that he tells of making the unusual decision to pursue a career as an NFL coach in lieu of accepting offers to practice law upon graduating from Harvard Law School. Robert Frost would have definiely called Daron's choices "the road less traveled." I do not know of any other Ivy League law graduates who would be willing to humble themselves and start at the bottom of the barrel as an unpaid volunteer to break into coaching at the NFL level. Beside his love for football, the author was also motivated to establish a career in coaching to give himself a platform from which he could influence the next generation of young African American males, teaching life skills along with coaching football skills. His journey is one that had many peaks and valleys, and his account of the journey provides plenty of food for thought and lessons in values and principals.

While working himself up the ladder within the NFL coaching fraternity, there were stops along the way with the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, and Cleveland Browns. Mr. Roberts also coached at West Virginia University. At every stop along the way, he had to prove his worth by being willing to do the toughest jobs that no one else wanted to do, beginning with the humble task of running - and keeping running - the Chief's antiquated copier.

One of the most moving sections of this book is the author's account of his decision to leave the fast track of NFL coaching. Between seasons, he was home in Texas, and his son brought him to his knees in remarking that he had never seen his father eating breakfast before. It hit him like a sledgehammer that he has been so busy proving himself as a coach, that he was failing as a father. So he made the painful choice to leave coaching. He accepted an invitation from the President of the University of Texas, his alma mater, to create a Center For Sports Leadership & Innovation on the Austin campus. It is from this platform that he now carries out his vision for influencing the next generation of student athletes.

Center for Sports Leadership Website

In addition, he oversees a non-profit called "4th and 1," They run a summer camp for high school athletes from underrepresented groups, and uniquely combine sports training with ACT preparation and diagnostics, professional development, and life skills classes.

4th and 1 Website

This book is a MUST READ for anyone looking to influence young people, as well as for motivated young athletes and scholars who could use a boost in hearing from a role model whose hard work has placed him in a position to multiply his talents, and to use them to influence others on a global scale.

Enjoy!

Al

"The Color Purple" Is Vibrant At The Boch Center Shubert Theatre - Through Sunday

Based on Alice Walker's novel, "The Color Purple" has moved audiences in movie theaters and on Broadway. The current national tour brings this moving story back to Boston at the Boch Center Shubert Theatre. It is a show you do not want to miss. It never fails to move me to tears and to deep reflection about how men treat women. In the current social and political climate, this story of female empowerment is as relevant as it ever was.The cast of this production is powerful, passionate, and talented.

This production is based on the recent Broadway revival, which used a simple set and pared down story line. It allows the characters to tell their story straight to the heart. I was caught up in the saga of Celie (Adriananna Hicks) learning from Shug Avery (Carla R.Stewart) how to stand up for herself and see herself as beautiful. Their love for life and for each other comes across most powerfully in the gorgeous number "What About Love?" Ms. Stewart also shines in "Too Beautiful For Words" and "Push The Button." Ms. Hicks had members of the audience leaping to their feet after her bravura performance of "I'm Here."

Adrianna Hicks as Celie
Cast
"The Color Purple"
Boch Center Shubert Theatre
Through December3rd

J. Daughtry as Harpo and Carrie Compere as Sophia had us laughing with their outrageous duet "Any Little Thing." The three church ladies serve as a gossiping Greek chorus in this show, and they were wonderfully portrayed by Brit West, Bianca Horn, and Angela Birchett. Gavin Gregory brought the character of Mister through a redemptive arc and shined in singing the haunting "Celie's Curse." Boston audiences saw a familiar face in Jared Dixon as Grady. Erica Durham as Squeak lived up to her character's name and offered some comic relief when she squared off against Sophia. N'Jameh Camara was strong as Nettie, Celie's sister. C.E. Smith's booming voice as the Preacher was on display in the rousing anthem "Mysterious Ways." Other cast members playing multiple roles include Darnell Abraham, Amar Atkins,Kyle E. Baird, Gabrielle Reid, J.D. Webster, Clyde Voce, Nyla Watson, Nikisha Williams, and Michael Wordly.

Book is by Marsha Norman and Music and Lyrics are by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray. This production is Directed by John Doyle. Set Design is by John Doyle, Costumes by Ann Hould-Ward, Lighting by Jane Cox, and Sound by Dan Moses Schreier.

This company must leave town after Sunday's performance, so you have only a few days left to get your tickets to be transported back into Celie's world and to "see what God has done."

Boch Center Website

Enjoy!

Al

Moonbox Productions Presents The Delightful British Comedy "The 39 Steps" - Through December 9th

There is nothing quite like physical British humor to tickle the funny bone. Such is the case with Moonbox Productions current offering of "The 39 Steps" by Evan George Patrick Barlow based on the Hitchock film, which in turn was based on a novel by Scottish novelist John Buchan. Director Allison Olivia Choat has wisely chosen to invite the audience into the creative process, encouraging us to suspend disbelief, and to go along with the four actors playing multiple roles, as well as very obviously serving as stage hands to make set changes in the middle of a scene. There is much physical humor and many sight gags, and the cast has been well chosen to carry out the hilarity with cheekiness and aplomb.

Kevin Cirone plays the straight man, Richard Hannay, a 30-something British man in the midst of a midlife crisis, who muses about how dull and meaningless his life is - until a femme fatale by the name of Annabella Schmidt (a sultry Sarah Gazdowicz) shows up and we are off to the races. Mr. Cirone and his dashing pencil mustache are the thread that ties together a picaresque series of adventures in a London music hall, along the rails, dangling from a bridge, and trekking across the heather-covered and fog be-shrouded hills of the Scottish highlands. Matthew Zahnzinger plays more roles than I can count - male and female - and each character is given a distinctive accent. Mr. Zahnzinger's mastery of arcane dialects is worth the price of admission. His counterpart is the equally adept Bob Mussett, whose mousy turn as Mr. Memory is a highlight, as is the scene in which Zahnzinger and Mussett portray two superannuated Scottish men acting as hosts for a political rally.

Bob Mussett and MatthewZahnzinger
as a pair of Scottish innkeepers
"The 39 Steps"
Moonbox Productions
BCA - Plaza Theatre
Through December 9th

This is a play that is not really plot driven, but which delivers its value by drawing the audience into the sheer silliness of the presentation. The actors are clearly having a ball telling this outlandish tale, and we cannot help but be swept up in the spirit of the piece. After the play, a friend of mine remarked: "Wasn't it fun just to be able to laugh in light of all of the heaviness we have been dealing with lately?" How true!

Set Designer is John Paul Devlin. Lighting Design is by Jeffrey E. Salzberg, Costume Design by Erica DeSautels, and Sound Design by Dan Costello, who must be singled out for the haunting bagpipe cues. Daniel Blackwell is the Dialect Coach.

One of the things I love about Moonbox Productions is their commitment to partner with local charities for each show that they produce. The current partnership is with Y2Y - Young Adults Uniting To End Homelessness. Located in Harvard Square, Harvard students operate a homeless shelter for youth who would otherwise be living on the street.  They also offer a suite of educational and social services, empowering the residents to become part of the solution to homelessness among young people. A portion of each ticket sold goes to supporting Y2Y. On line donations are also encouraged. Admission for the performance on the 22nd will be nonperishable food items or a donation to Y2Y.

Y2Y website

Sarah Gazdowicz as Annabella
Kevin Cironeas Richard Hannay
Bob Mussett as Mr. Memory

"The 39 Steps"

Moonbox Productions

BCA - Plaza Theatre

Through December 9th

It is no mystery why this play was such a hit with last night's audience. It is well written, cleverly directed, and flawlessly acted by a quartet of gifted performers. It is worth making the trip to Tremont Street - even if you have to walk more than 39 steps to get to the Plaza Theatre.

For tickets to other performances, follow this link:

Moonbox Productions Website

Enjoy!

Al

Huntington Theatre Company Presents A Delightful "Tartuffe" - To Thine Own Selfie Be True!

I have loved Molière since I saw my first production of "Tartuffe" back in college. So, I have been looking forward to this Huntington Theatre Company production of the French playwright's hilarious comedy exposing hypocrisy and the Parisian "religious right" of his day. I was not disappointed. Director Peter DuBois has made some brilliant choices in setting the action in modern day Paris, with an emphasis on the tools of 21st century technology to enhance the telling of the story, He gives us selfie sticks, noisy rotary aircraft, fragile cell phones, and one memorable taser. The result was that I felt that someone had taken a taser to my funny bone, for I frequently erupted in spasmodic laughter at the antics on stage.

DuBois builds a bridge between the 17th century and the modern day setting of this production by opening the piece with a series of quick tableaux showing characters in period costume and wig, establishing their basic characteristics and foibles. It felt like we were seeing a progression of 5 second gifs come to life.

One of the many things I love about the Huntington is their commitment to blend well known actors from New York, Hollywood, or London, with gifted talent based in Boston. This ensemble is a wonderful example of this casting philosophy. The truth that "there are no small parts" has never been more true than in this current production. Every member of the cast takes their moment in the spotlight and uses it to advance the story.

Frank Wood as Orgon
Brett Gelman as Tartuffe
"Tartuffe"
Directed by Peter DuBois
Huntington Theatre Company
Through December 10th
© Photo: T. Charles Erickson

Tartuffe is diabolically portrayed by the gifted Brett Gelman, looking every bit like Rasputin trying to win Senate approval for a slot in the Trump cabinet. Tony award winner Frank Wood is Orgon, who has fallen under Tartuffe's spell to such a degree that he adamantly refuses to believe his family when they bring him evidence of Tartuffe's perfidy and hypocrisy. His comely trophy wife is Elmire, played to the seductive hilt by Melissa Miller. She is the object of Tartuffe's less than holy zeal. Sarah Oakes Muirhead is Mariane, Orgon's daughter whose hand has been promised to Valère, played well by Gabriel Brown. But Orgon has decided to break his promise and give Mariane to Tartuffe. She would rather betake herself to a nunnery. Ms. Muirhead gets to display some wonderful physical comedy in demonstrating Mariane's woeful state. Her brother, Damis, played magnificently by Matthew Bretschneider, is the prototypical disaffected Millenial wedded to his selfie stick. He sees through Tartuffe, but Orgon disowns him instead of listening to him. Jane Pfitsch as the outspoken maid, Dorine, almost steals the show. Her saucy zingers and rejoinders to each member of the family and hangers on are priceless. Matthew J. Harris is strong as Cleante, Orgon's brother-in-law. He attempts to be another voice of reason warning against the excesses of Tartuffe, but he too is rebuffed. Paula Plum, arguably the doyenne of the Boston stage scene, makes a formidable impression as Madame Pernelle, Orgon's mother and patroness of Tartuffe. Her rant in the opening scene shows the grandmother in high dudgeon, excoriating everyone in sight. Her up-swept lacquered wig establishes her character as unassailable. The performance earned exit applause as she flounced from the stage - exiting stage right, brandishing her cane as a weapon. Omar Robinson as An Officer of the Court enters the action late in the game, but his vertical entrance and his turning the tables and taser on Tartuffe are highlights. Steve Barkhimer's flexibility is on full display as he handles the disparate roles of Laurent, Tartuffe's self-effacing acolyte, and Monsieur Loyal, the bailiff who comes to dispossess Orgon of his home. Finally, Katie Elinoff, Madame Pernelle's mousy maid, is usually seen, but not heard. But when she is heard, we are jarred out of our seats.

Paula Plum as Madame Pernelle
Frank Wood as Orgon
"Tartuffe"
Directed by Peter DuBois
Huntington Theatre Company
Through December 10th
© Photo: T. Charles Erickson

This wonderful cast are very comfortable with the English translation in verse by Ranjit Bolt. They are well supported by the visually arresting Scenic Design by Alexander Dodge, which includes an occasional table made from a gilded tree stump! Eye-catching costumes are by Anita Yavich, Lighting Design by Christopher Akerline, Sound Design by Ben Emerson, Choreography by Daniel Pelzig, Original Music by Peter Golub, Flying by Foy.

Cast
"Tartuffe"
Directed by Peter DuBois
Huntington Theatre Company
Through December 10th
© Photo: T. Charles Erickson

This production is a total delight, and will run through December 10th. Treat yourself to some laughs and book your tickets now.

Huntington Theatre Website

Enjoy!

Al

Boston Ballet Presents A Stunning Finnish Fantasia - "Obsidian Tear" - Through November 12th

The spirit of Finland was in the air at the Boston Opera House from the opening strokes from Guest Conductor, Daniel Stewart's baton, through the final cadences of Sibelius' "Fifth Symphony." Boston Ballet kicked off its 2017-2018 season with two contemporary pieces.

After warming up the audience with an orchestral rendition of Jean Sibelius' beloved "Finlandia," the curtain rose on the Boston Ballet Premiere of "Obsidian Tear," a co-production with the Royal Ballet, whose Resident Choreographer, Wayne McGregor, conceived the piece set to a symphonic poem by Esa-Pekka Salonen. The title of the piece is enigmatic, using the English word, "tear," in two senses. First, as a verb - to tear, to rend. Second, as a noun - the fluid that flows from the eye. Salonen had been inspired by the myth of the Goddess Nyx. The other section of this new ballet uses intimate solo violin music, "Lachen verlernt," also by Salonen, and is in sharp contrast to the fierceness and grand sweep of "Nyx." Nine male dancers perform in ever-changing combinations of athleticism and grace that that are like a living impressionist painting. The meaning is in the eye of the beholder. Are they depicting community, intimacy, breaking up, supporting one another? You decide. The effect is visually and aurally stunning. Eight of the dancers are costumed in black, the ninth in red. Does he represent the fire that forms the crystals of obsidian? You decide. The nine dancers chosen to interpret this work were: Paulo Arrais, Paul Craig, Roddy Doble, Lasha Khozashvili, Patric Palkens, Lawrence Rines, Irlan Silva, Matthew Slattery, Patrick Yocum. The audience was wildly enthusiastic in response to the innovative program.

"Obsidian Tear" by Wayne McGregor

Music by Esa-Pekka Salonen

Boston Ballet

Boston Opera House

Through November 12th

Photo by Rosalie O'Connor

The second half of the evening was devoted to the World Premiere of "Fifth Symphony of Jean Sibelius" by Boston Ballet Resident Choreographer Jorma Elo. Costume Designer Yumiko Takeshima and Lighting Designer Mark Stanley used colors that suggested earth tones from the changing seasons in Finland. The full corps de ballet was used in this gorgeous new work that used traditional classical dance vocabulary. Pairs of dancers interspersed themselves throughout the piece among the larger groupings of male and female dancers.The pairs included some of Boston Ballet's most familiar figures: Misa Kuranga and John Lam, Lia Cirio and Paul Craig, Kathleen Breen Combes and Junxiong Zhao. Again, the appreciative audience was enraptured by the music, the choreography and the flawless execution of the dancers.

Cast
Fifth Symphony of Jean Sibelius

Boston Ballet

Boston Opera House

Through November 12th

Photo by Rosalie O'Connor

This program can only be seen through November 12th, so get your tickets for this week's remaining performances.

Boston Ballet Website

The annual Boston tradition of "The Nutcracker" will run from November 24th through New Years' Eve.

Enjoy!

Al

Boston Playwrights' Theatre Presents "Elemeno Pea" by Molly Smith Metzler - Through November 19th

Boston Playwrights' Theatre champions new works, and the latest play in their current season is the entertaining "Elemeno Pea," written by Molly Smith Metzler and Directed by Shana Gozansky. Scenic Design is by Jeffrey Petersen, Lighting and Sound Design by David Wilson, Costume Design by Rachel Padula-Shufelt.

The action takes place on Martha's Vineyard, where Simone (Lydia Barnett-Mulligan) has been hired by the very wealthy Michaela (Samantha Richert) to be her personal assistant and companion - at an outrageously high salary. But she is on call 24/7, and has not seen her sister, Devon (Amanda Collins) for months. Simone takes the weekend off and invites Devon to travel to The Vineyard for a few days of sisterly bonding. Things do not go as planned. Michaela is in crisis. Her status as trophy wife #2 is very much in jeopardy, and she needs Simone to help her to handle her meltdown. Michaela tries to bribe Devon to leave the island, but Devon is not having it, and a hilarious power struggle ensues. Further complications arise when Devon meets Simone's boyfriend, Ethan (Barlow Adamson), an uber-entitled rich boy whose life cannot be sullied by such a thing as "gainful employment." Rounding out this fine cast is Jaime Carrillo, who plays the passive-aggressive gardener/handyman, Jos-B.

The playwright lampoons many things in this comedy, while also plumbing the depths of some poignant issues such as abortion, family dysfunction, and classism. There are power struggles galore - some overt and some more subtle. Devon works at an Olive Garden restaurant in Buffalo, so one might think that Michaela holds a power position over her, but Devon is feisty and holds her own. Michael is in a struggle with her off-stage husband, who threatens to end the marriage before the five year prenuptial agreement vests.  Jos-B uses his native Spanish language as a tool to humiliate Michaela when he learns that she has lost her leverage over him.

Lydia Barnett-Mulligan and Samantha Richert (foreground)
Amanda Collins (background)
"Elemeno Pea"by Molly Smith Metzler
Boston Playwrights' Theatre
Through November 19th
Photo by Zalman Zabarsky

Cast members are uniformly excellent. The versatile Mr. Adamson plays the playboy in Vinelyard salmon trousers to a tee. Mr. Carillo raises passive-aggression to an art form. Ms. Richert takes Michaela through an arc that includes her finally showing some humanity and vulnerability when Devon finds a way to soften her up. Ms.Collins is at her best in these final scenes. And Ms. Barnett-Mulligan is convincing as Simone who has gone off the rails and been seduced by money and power. This ensemble is directed with a deft touch by Shana Gozansky.

The play runs through November 19th.

Boston Playwrights' Theatre Website

Enjoy!

Al

SpeakEasy Stage Company Sparkles with "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" - A MUST SEE - Through November 25th

"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time," written by Simon Stephens, is based on the novel of the same name by Mark Haddon. The play took London by storm in 2013, and was a smash hit on Broadway the following year, when it won the Tony for Best Play. Now, under the skilled direction of Paul Daigneault, it is creating great buzz here in Boston on the SpeakEasy stage. The play is a brilliantly conceived story of a 15 year-old autistic boy who is determined to solve the mystery of the death of his neighbor's dog. As written and as executed in this masterfully conceived production, the audience is given a glimpse of how young Christopher Boone's mind works and how the world appears through his eyes and other senses. The success of this play is placed firmly in the hands of the actor who portrays Christopher. Eliott Purcell is magnificent in this role, taking the character through a complex journey of discovery and revelation. Despite Christopher's strong aversion to being touched physically, Mr. Purcell touches us in profound ways by inviting us into Christopher's world. It is a memorable and indelible performance that is award worthy.

Mr. Purcell is well supported in the telling of this story. Director Daigneault has wisely chosen not to mimic the elaborate electronics that the Broadway production utilized. He has pared down the production and thereby made it more human and accessible. Ensemble members double as ticket machines, ATMs, and other devices. The ensemble cast is uniformly excellent. They are:

• Jackie Davis as Siobhan, Christopher's teacher
• Tim Hackney as Roger Shears and Duty Sergeant
• Laura Latreille as Judy Boone, Christopher's mother
• Craig Mathers as Ed Boone, Christopher's father
• Cheryl McMahon as Mrs. Alexander, the Boone's neighbor
• Christine Power as Mrs. Shears, the neighbor whose dog was killed
• Alejandro Simoes as Policeman and Mr. Thompson
• Damon Singletary as Reverend Peters and Uncle Terry
• Gigi Watson as Lady in Street

The work of this cast is greatly enhanced by the clever Set Design by Christopher and Justin Swader, Lighting Design by Jeff Adelberg, Sound Design by David Remedios, Costume Design by Gail Astrid Buckley, and Movement by Yo-El Cassell.

The production represents the very best of the art form of drama - it entertains and provokes. It causes one to think about familiar things in new ways, as well as inviting us to consider topics that are outside most people's frame of reference.

Damon Singletary, Eliott Purcell, Laura Latreille
"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time"
by Simon Stephens
SpeakEasy Stage Company
Calderwood Pavilion
Through November 25th
Nile Hawver/Nile Scott Shots

You will not want to miss this MUST SEE production of an outstanding play executed to perfection. At the Calderwood Pavilion through November 25th. I will be curious to hear what you have to say about it after you have had a chance to experience it.

SpeakEasy Stage Website

Enjoy!

Al